"We rely on public donations and corporate sponsorships the same way Thunder Bay would,' he said. "We just don't have the resources to support more branches than we currently operate."

As an independent affiliate of the OSPCA, the Thunder Bay shelter receives help with things like training, Sykes added.

If the shelter has to close, however, the OSPCA will relocate the animals.

In the meantime, the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society is hoping to raise the money it needs to stay open. The group now plans to go before Thunder Bay council Nov. 14 to appeal to the city for help.

Last week, the Humane Society Board announced it has an $180,000 shortfall and is struggling to meet payroll. Over the weekend, dozens of people flocked to the shelter to adopt pets or donate money.